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Lost money to a sponsorship scam? What to do now
Act quickly. The sooner you tell your bank and the police, the better your chance of getting money back, and of stopping the same people from taking money from the next person.
Do these four things today
- Stop paying. Do not send any more money, whatever you are told. Requests for “one last fee” to release your CoS, your visa or your refund are part of the scam.
- Call your bank on the number on the back of your card or on its official website, not a number from a message. Say you have been the victim of a scam and ask them to try to recover the money.
- Report it to the police. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, use Report Fraud or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Keep the crime reference number and give it to your bank.
- Keep everything. Do not delete chats or messages. Export your WhatsApp chats (open the chat, then More → Export chat → Include media), and save bank statements, receipts, the CoS reference, any job offer and any visa refusal letter.
Can I get my money back?
If you paid by bank transfer from a UK bank account
UK banks and payment firms must reimburse most victims of “authorised push payment” scams, where you were tricked into sending money by Faster Payments or CHAPS. The rules, in force since 7 October 2024, cover individuals, small businesses and charities:
- you can claim up to £85,000;
- you must claim within 13 months of the last payment;
- firms should normally pay within 5 business days, or 35 if they need to investigate;
- they may deduct an excess of up to £100, but not if you are a vulnerable customer.
You will not be reimbursed if you were complicit in the fraud or grossly negligent, and ordinary disputes with a seller are not covered. So tell your bank exactly what you were promised, especially any promise of a refund, and send them your evidence. (Source: Payment Systems Regulator.)
If your bank says no, make a formal complaint to the bank. If you are still unhappy, take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which is free.
If you paid by card
Ask your card provider straight away about a chargeback.
If you paid from a bank outside the UK
The UK reimbursement rules do not apply. Contact your bank immediately and report the fraud to the police where you live. In Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) takes reports of financial fraud. Because the sponsor is in the UK, also report to the Home Office and, if a charity is involved, the Charity Commission (see below).
If you paid in cash or through someone else
Write down who took the money, when and where, and anyone who saw it, and report it to the police.
Report it to the authorities
Report to the police once. Then tell the other organisations that apply to your case. Each one can act in a different way: the police can investigate, the Home Office can take away a sponsor’s licence, and the Charity Commission can investigate a charity.
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Report Fraud (police)
Always, if you were scammed. This is the national fraud reporting service for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It replaced Action Fraud in December 2025.
Report online or by phone. Keep the crime reference number you are given and pass it to your bank.
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Police Scotland
If you live in Scotland.
Call 101, or 999 in an emergency.
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Home Office (Immigration Enforcement)
If a licensed sponsor, employer or agent is selling Certificates of Sponsorship or abusing the visa system.
Use the online form “Report an immigration or border crime”, or call the hotline. You do not have to give your name.
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Charity Commission
If a registered charity (including a church registered as a charity) is involved.
Make a serious complaint about the charity online, quoting its charity number.
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Immigration Advice Authority (IAA)
If anyone gave you immigration advice or “visa processing” for money without being regulated. That is a criminal offence.
Report the person or business to the IAA online.
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Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline
If you are in the UK and being forced to work, held in debt, or controlled by the people who brought you here.
Free, confidential, 24 hours a day, with interpreters.
Worried about your visa or immigration status?
Many victims are afraid that speaking up will affect their visa. That fear is understandable, and it is what the people who took your money rely on. If you are in the UK on a visa connected to the people involved, get advice before you act. For example, if the Home Office revokes a sponsor’s licence, it will normally cancel or shorten the permission of the workers that sponsor is responsible for.
Only take immigration advice from someone who is regulated. It is a criminal offence to give immigration advice or services without being regulated. Check the register before you speak to anyone:
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IAA Adviser Finder
Regulated immigration advisers.
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Law Society: Find a Solicitor
Immigration solicitors in England and Wales.
Free help and advice
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Work Rights Centre
Free advice for migrant workers on employment and immigration problems.
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Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI)
Immigration advice and information on your rights.
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Migrant Help
Advice and support for migrants and victims of trafficking and exploitation.
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Citizens Advice
Free, confidential help with money, debt, scams and your rights.
Tell us, to protect others
Your evidence can stop the same people from taking money from someone else. We never publish your name or anything that identifies you without your written agreement. Report a scam to us.